serving the purposes of God in my generation...

Monday, March 19, 2012

In His name we are sent.
In His name we speak.
In His name we heal.
In His name we deliver.
In His name we have the victory.

'It is a mighty thing that God has done in thus committing himself to his Church... The name of Jesus is in fact God's greatest legacy to her...' Watchman Nee

Study: Philippians 2: 9-11

Sunday, March 11, 2012

A Kingdom People

You will sometimes hear a little banter in the Davey home when Wales are playing England in a sporting event. Neither of us are necessarily patriotic or avid sport fans. But on these occasions suddenly out of the blue we rediscover a deep sense of proud satisfaction and loyalty to the country that we belong to. We find this quite amusing!

From the moment we give our lives to Jesus we are no longer considered residents of this world, but added to the list of those found in Hebrews 11, who understood that they were but pilgrims journeying 'to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.'

It is important to celebrate diverse cultures amongst us, but the bible explains that it is even more important for us to recognize the one heritage which we all share, that being the Kingdom of God. Here are a few differences found between British culture and those that belong to the Kingdom.

Absolutes
You only have to drive through Cardiff city center on a Saturday night to see that we live in a society where anything and everything is slowly becoming more and more acceptable.

As Kingdom People we believe that God wants us to live not in any way we please, but in a way that pleases Him. It is His will and His Word that is the plum-line for our absolutes. Know this week that there is nothing more fulfilling than living to please and obey your heavenly Father.

Thankful
Listen in on any conversation around you in the office, on the bus, or at the school gates, and you will hear people complaining. Whether it's higher petrol prices, the weather, or the new boss, British culture just can't get enough of it!

We however are a people who don't complain but give thanks. We are those who recognize how blessed we are even when things are difficult. This is a people who put their complete trust in Jesus, knowing that they serve a God who is always good.

Passionate
British culture brings us up to believe that is it impolite to be over-zealous about anything. Passionate people are considered immature, embarrassing, and even slightly odd, making those around them just feel uncomfortable!

As Kingdom People we believe God desires a passionate people: a people who speak when others remain silent, a people who move when other stand still. We believe it is good to be passionate about the things that Jesus is passionate about, and bold in our expression of it!

I believe in the days to come, it will be more and more impossible for us to go unnoticed in this world whilst living obedient to the Spirit.

I love traveling abroad and putting myself in situations by which I can experience new cultures. But what I love more is when I meet those who, despite growing up in a different place geographically, belong to the same blood-line as me: The Kingdom of God!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Sponsor a Child. Change a life.

Kate and I are delighted to have been given the opportunity to promote the Child Sponsorship Program that is currently being run by Ministries Without Borders Philippines.

Please consider being involved by giving a small amount of money every month. Through this simple act of kindness we really are able to change lives.

For more information please email us on kidswithoutborders@live.co.uk.

Links: ministrieswithoutbordersphil.com

Friday, February 24, 2012

Gems from Leviticus

'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house.' says the Lord Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace.' declares the Lord Almighty.' Haggai 2:9

Leviticus
When reading Leviticus we should always keep one finger in Hebrews 10, which sums up the Mosaic Law by explaining it simply to be a wonderful painting of what is to come.

It is impossible for the blood of goats and bulls to take away sins. The daily sacrifices were simply a representation of the ultimate sacrifice, whose death and resurrection made us perfect in God's sight, for all of time.

With this in mind one can read through the ceremonial laws and ritualistic practices of worship with an expectation to uncover more of who Jesus is and what he has done! The early stories of Israel are like treasure caves; with the help of the Holy Spirit one can discover gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Sabbath
God used the example of His rest on the seventh day during creation, to establish the principle of the Sabbath. One day out of seven, no work was to be done by God's people, Leviticus 23:3. They were to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

We are given a glimpse in Exodus 31:13 of what this law really meant. It 'will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.'

Fast forward 1500 years, the Sabbath is summed up completely in the work and person Jesus Christ. Because of what He did, we are now able to live in a constant state of rest, knowing that it is He who makes us holy!

The peace and rest that comes as a result of knowing a salvation that does not depend upon my efforts or work is a daily revelation to me. We did nothing whatever to save ourselves. Jesus is our Sabbath, He is our rest, our substitute for the work that needed to be done.

The Christian life from start to finish is based upon this principle of utter dependence upon the Lord Jesus. There is no limit to the grace God is willing to bestow upon us. He will give us everything, but we can receive none of it except as we rest in him. Watchman Nee.

God is not interested in the practice of law or even religious principles. He is interested in those that live in His grace and His rest, and those who are obedient to His voice. Be assured today that when God looks at you all He sees is Jesus!

Study: Philippians 4:7, Ephesians 2:6-9, Hebrews 10, Leviticus, Sit, Walk, Stand - Watchman Nee.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ten Ways To Love

1. Listen without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)
2. Speak without accusing. (James 1:19)
3. Give without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26)
4. Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)
5. Answer without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)
6. Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)
7. Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)
8. Trust without wavering. (Corinthians 13:7)
9. Forgive without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)
10. Promise without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)

Anon.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Quotes on Prayer

Prayer is not getting man's will done in heaven, but getting God's will done on earth. It is not overcoming God's reluctance but laying hold of God's willingness.
RC Trench.

Is prayer your spare wheel or your steering wheel?
Corrie Ten Boom.

Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is simply picking up the pieces.
SD Gordon.

The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history.
A Murray.

Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.
DL Moody.

I would rather train twenty men to pray, than a thousand to preach. A minister's highest mission ought to be to teach his people to pray.
H MacGregor.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for it's spiritual life.
L Ravenhill.

The Church has not yet touched the fringe of the possibilities of intercessory prayer. Her largest victories will be witnessed when individual Christians everywhere come to recognize their priesthood unto God and day by day give themselves unto prayer.
JR Mott.